Only One Speed

The frame is from '91, and the components vary from roughly the same time period to virtually new. The bike was not to be retro, it was built to work.

I really enjoy the feel of Bontrager bikes, and originally had a "Race" frame built up as a singlespeed using a chain tensioner. I found this older frame with horizontal dropouts and decided to swap the parts from the old bike to this one. The bike rides great (when I'm in shape).

This frame predates the Bontrager Race frames, and I believe was just called an "Off-Road" frame. The "OR" that appears on the top tube decals of later bikes is short for "off road." Made in January of 1991, I believe that this was one of the final iterations of the frame before the Race was introduced.

There are several easily noticeable differences between this frame and those that came later. Most notable are the horizontal rear dropouts, and the reduced slope in the top tube. The bike also shares the two-piece seat stays and square-edged decals with the early Race frames. I've tried to capture all of the more subtle frame differences with pictures and placed them on a separate page. I can't guarantee that all frames will be exactly like mine, so use this only as a guide. Also, I have a copy of a review of the bike available (page 1, page 2).

The Bontrager Composite fork was the first fork to use removable legs. The crowns were used on the first generation of Rock Shox forks, a Keith Bontrager and Paul Turner collaboration. The fork rides well and although it's rigid, it seems to really smooth out the trail (or is that the 2.4" WTB front tires).

- el